School Without Walls High School is a small public magnet high school in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood of Washington, D.C. It is colloquially referred to by students and faculty as "Walls."
Serving 606 students in grades 9-12, School Without Walls High School ranks in the top 5% of all schools in District Of Columbia for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 5%, and reading proficiency is top 5%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 65-69% (which is higher than the District Of Columbia state average of 22%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 94% (which is higher than the District Of Columbia state average of 31%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the District Of Columbia state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 51% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the District Of Columbia state average of 86% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 606 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 51%
- Graduation Rate: ≥95% (Top 5% in DC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 5%
- Math Proficiency: 65-69% (Top 5%)
- Reading Proficiency: 94% (Top 1%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-34% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), DC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
School Without Walls High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in District Of Columbia for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Graduation Rate
Diversity
School Overview
School Without Walls High School's student population of 606 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 38 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
606 students
Total Classroom Teachers
38 teachers
Year Founded
1971
Colors
White, Black
School Motto
School Without Walls will provide every student with a rigorous, college preparatory, humanities program.
School Rankings
School Without Walls High School ranks within the top 5% of all 220 schools in District Of Columbia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of School Without Walls High School is 0.68, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.56. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#3 out of 220 schools
(Top 5%)
(Top 5%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
65-69%
22%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
94%
31%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
10%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
11:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
5%
1%
Hispanic
13%
19%
Black
23%
62%
White
49%
14%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
10%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≥95%
76%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
13%
49%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), DC Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Penguins
- School Without Walls is a small public senior high school in the Foggy Bottom area of Washington, D.C. It is colloquially referred to by students and faculty as "Walls." The school is located on the George Washington University campus, at G and 22nd Streets NW. Founded in 1971, it provides a challenging academic curriculum and encourages students to "use the city as a classroom." It is part of the District of Columbia Public Schools system and draws students from all parts of the city. Any student interested in applying must follow an entrance procedure, involving a multiple choice test, a written essay, an interview, and a report of the applicant's standardized test scores and grades from previous years.
- History: School Without Walls was first established in 1971 as an experimental learning environment. At that point it was just one small class of students. The program slowly expanded over the years, growing in the early nineties. In 1978, the school moved to its current location.
- Distinctive Features: School Without Walls attempts to provide a unique learning environment. The George Washington University Partnership, examined below, is one manner in which School Without Walls expands the curriculum of its students. Additionally, the school uses science labs at the University of the District of Columbia, has a standing partnership with the Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson law firm and an informal journalism internship program with the George Washington University student newspaper, the GW Hatchet. The school has in the past conducted classes at the Smithsonian, the Corcoran, the National Aquarium, the National Zoo, the Botanical Gardens and other academic resources available in the city. In doing so, it offers certain opportunities and privileges not common to other high schools.
- George Washington University Partnership: George Washington University provides classes free of charge to 100 of the 11th grade and above students. Students must qualify for courses by taking the GWU placement test.
- Gilder Lehrman Initiative: Beginning in their sophomore year, students attend trips to sites of historical importance both locally and beyond the DC area. Gilder Lehrman provides visiting historians to serve as guest lecturers and seminar leaders. The Institute further assists with college-placement counseling and provide Walls students access to the Institute's contacts at colleges and universities. Students are given opportunities to interact with their peers enrolled in Gilder Lehrman programs and schools throughout the country. By providing supplemental resources books and materials, packages of documents replicated from the Gilder Lehrman Collection, traveling exhibits from the Institute's national program of exhibitions on specific themes in American history, and keepsake documents from the collection, as well as scholarship opportunities, Gilder Lehrman provides learning opportunities that might otherwise be unavailable.
- In the 2004-2005 school year School Without Walls students took their first Gilder Lehrman sponsored trip to Williamsburg. This trip provided a first-hand look at colonial life in America. To enhance the study of the foundation of American democracy, a visit to the New York Historical Society gave students an opportunity to witness the influence of Alexander Hamilton on American government. The class also takes a spring visit to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania to expand the study of American History and Culture into the Civil War period.
- Academic Achievements: School Without Walls takes pride in consistently ranking among the top schools in the DCPS system in terms of graduation rate, average SAT score, attendance rate and other academic benchmarks.
- Clubs and Activities: Students at School Without Walls are required to participate in at least one club or activity per year.
- Creative
- The Enquirer: SWW's newest newspaper, The Enquirer is probably the best place to get news ever.
- Creative Expressions: The Creative Expressions club is a gathering of students with a variety of artistic interests.
- Drama Club: The School Without Walls Drama Club is composed of students interested in acting.
- Social Issues
- Men Of Strength (MOST)
- Sister Action Sister Strength
- Academic
- National Society of Black Engineers: The School Without Walls chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers is composed of students interested in pursuing a career in engineering.
- Science Bowl / It's Academic: The Science Bowl / It's Academic team competes in academic competitions.
- Environmental Action
- SWWTech: SWWTech is a student run organization of techies. SWWTech provides information technology support to all faculty and students, runs a portal, manages the library computers, and provides numerous other tech-related services.
- Sporting Achievements: While Walls has a very small pool of students from which to select its athletes, they do quite well in many sports, consistently placing 2nd in men's baseball. Finishing first has been deemed nearly impossible as Woodrow Wilson High School has won for more than a decade. The women's soccer team has won the DCIAA season and tournament championships for three years straight starting in the Fall 2003 Season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is School Without Walls High School's ranking?
School Without Walls High School is ranked #3 out of 220 schools, which ranks it among the top 5% of public schools in District Of Columbia.
What schools are School Without Walls High School often compared to?
School Without Walls High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Benjamin Banneker High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
65-69% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 22% DC state average), while 94% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 31% DC state average).
What is the graduation rate of School Without Walls High School?
The graduation rate of School Without Walls High School is 95%, which is higher than the District Of Columbia state average of 76%.
How many students attend School Without Walls High School?
606 students attend School Without Walls High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
49% of School Without Walls High School students are White, 23% of students are Black, 13% of students are Hispanic, 10% of students are Two or more races, and 5% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of School Without Walls High School?
School Without Walls High School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the District Of Columbia state average of 11:1.
What grades does School Without Walls High School offer ?
School Without Walls High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is School Without Walls High School part of?
School Without Walls High School is part of District Of Columbia.
In what neighborhood is School Without Walls High School located?
School Without Walls High School is located in the Northwest Washington neighborhood of Washington, DC. There are 72 other public schools located in Northwest Washington.
School Calendar
View the School Without Walls High School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
First Day of School
August 24, 2026 (Monday)
Thanksgiving Break
November 25, 2026 (Wednesday)
Thanksgiving Break
November 26, 2026 (Thursday)
Thanksgiving Break
November 27, 2026 (Friday)
Spring Break
March 22, 2027 (Monday)
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
School Without Walls has been one of the top schools in the District of Columbia and has not fallen short on any academic aspect it has. Being a former student I thank each and every one of my teachers because they knew exactly how to prepare me for college and now I attend one of the most prestigious universities in the country and I have been thriving because I am so used to the rigorous and challenging academic atmosphere. The school is really an open window to young adults who really want a challenge and even more opportunities. I cannot describe how great the school is. It has so many opportunities and it makes every child that walks through their doors welcomed. However, because this school is challenging I would advise parents to consider putting their child in this school IF THEY ARE PREPARED TO TAKE ON THE CHALLENGE. I cannot count how many students in the ninth grade were asked to leave to their neighborhood school because they could not reach the expectations the school had for them. It is a great school but do not rush to apply if you know your child is not ready to be mature and academically challenged beyond what is expected out of a regular DCPS student.
5 10/10/2025
This is a great school! Go there if you want a great experience. The kids have a culture of being respectful and easily making friendships.
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